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Paraguayan authorities suspended a top-division football match between Olimpia and Cerro Porteno on Sunday after clashes broke out between Cerro Porteno fans and police at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asuncion. Several officers were injured, and hundreds of spectators ran onto the pitch.
Witnesses said the violence began when high-powered firecrackers, smuggled into the Cerro Porteno supporters' section, were set off in the stands.
According to a local newspaper, some fans took a police officer's riot shield and showed it off to the crowd. Police responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands.
Security forces reported that at least six officers were injured, with one in serious condition, and all were taken to a hospital.
Hospital spokesperson David Torales said the officers had head injuries, cuts, possible stab wounds, and other injuries. It was not immediately known if any fans were hurt.
The match, played in front of about 40,000 people, was stopped after 29 minutes. Around 100 people were detained. Television footage showed smoke filling parts of the stands as spectators ran onto the pitch.
The suspension has set off a dispute over the match result. Under Paraguayan Football Association (APF) rules, a team forfeits a match if its supporters force a suspension.
Olimpia President Rodrigo Nogues said his club would seek the three points from the APF disciplinary tribunal.
Cerro Porteno President Blas Reguera, however, argued that Olimpia bore responsibility for stadium security as the match's organizing club.
Police said they are working to identify those who started the conflict so they can be punished and banned from future sporting events. "Police officers acted immediately to ensure the safety of those in attendance," local police said in a statement.
Olimpia is currently at the top of Paraguay's football league, with Cerro Porteno in second place.
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